Fence post cap for entertaining

ABSTRACT

A fence post cap comprising an apparatus for holding small objects for entertaining (e.g. food and beverages). In a preferred embodiment, the cap comprises a small table, such as a round, square, or rectangular table, and/or a serving bowl, affixed to the top of a fence post that is part of an outdoor deck railing. The apparatus may be permanently affixed to the post, or non-permanently affixed wherein it may be easily exchanged with another cap suitable to an occasion. The cap may further comprise a means to attach the cap to the fence post, such as a base that affixes to the underside of the table/bowl and slides over the fence post. In a preferred embodiment, the base comprises a collar affixed to the underside of a pan that holds the apparatus (table top), and wherein the pan is the same dimensions as the table top.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of fence post caps, and moreparticularly to the caps on the railing of a patio, or deck posts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The rails of patios and decks serve primarily two functions: 1)aesthetics for the overall appearance of the area and the building towhich it may attach (e.g. a home); and 2) safety to prevent users of thedeck from falling off, or children wandering off a patio.

Decks and enclosed patios primarily comprise “post and rail” like fenceswith caps sitting atop the posts. Historically the caps have servedsafety and aesthetic functions, although there are a few exceptionswhere the caps have utility beyond this. For example, the U.S. Pat. No.5,332,196 entitled “Fence Post End Cap” discloses a cap that functionsas a bird feeder, planter, flag holder and/or garden hose holder.

The prior art does not disclose, though, the use of the deck rail as anadditional surface for use by individuals for their entertainment,leisure, and so forth, wherein the post cap may be replaced with anapparatus that functions as a surface for holding small objects (e.g.drinks and food, game boards, etc.).

Therefore, there is a need for attachments to the posts of deck railingthat provide functionality to the railing beyond a barrier for safetyconcerns, such as to facilitate the use of the deck rail forentertaining and leisure by holding small objects.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises a fence post cap comprising an apparatusfor holding small objects, such as food and beverages and board games.The purpose of using this alternative fence post cap is to solve theproblem of creating additional outdoor serving and eating surfaces,especially when entertaining.

In one embodiment, the apparatus/cap may comprise a small table, such asa round, oval, square, or rectangular table, affixed to the top of thefence post via, for example, a collar with a rigid plate attached to thebottom of the table top.

In another embodiment, the apparatus/cap may comprise a serving bowlaffixed to the top of the fence post via, for example, a collar with arigid plate attached to the bottom of the table top.

The apparatus/cap of the present invention may further comprise a meansto attach the apparatus to the fence post. One aspect of the inventionis that the apparatus/cap may be permanently or non-permanently affixedto the post and further comprise commercially available bases, or basesand means of attachment as disclosed herein.

Permanently affixed caps comprise, for example, bases screwed or boltedinto the fence post. Non-permanently affixed caps may be easily removed,such as via unscrewing a collar attached to the underside of theapparatus/cap, and exchanged with other caps.

In a preferred embodiment, the base comprises a hollow square collarthat tightly fits over the fence post, wherein it is permanently ornon-permanently affixed to the post. A flat rigid plate sits atop thecollar, wherein the underside of the flat plate is permanently affixedto the top of the collar so as to form a 5 sided hollow cube. Theupper-side of the flat plate (i.e. top of the flat plate) is affixed tothe underside of the table top or serving bowl cap.

In an alternative embodiment, the table top sits snugly within a pancomprising a bottom surface and side surfaces of dimensions nearly exactto that of the table top. The bottom of the pan is permanently attachedto the hollow square collar, and in the absence of a rigid plate. Forexample, a square table apparatus would sit snuggly within a one piecepan, wherein the pan would comprise a square bottom, and four sides ofthe nearly the exact dimensions as the table so as to have completesurface contact. The pan may further comprise one or more drainage holesfor liquids, such as rain water, or spilled beverages, to remove anyfluids that collect between the underside of the table top and the pan.

Additionally for the pan embodiment, the table top may comprise merely atop surface or lid that fits atop the pan, therefore creating a hollowor empty closed pan container (versus a solid table top resting withinthe pan).

And in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the fence postcap may comprise a one piece unit which includes a table top or bowlsurface and the base formed into one article of manufacturer. The usercould then merely slip the unit on and off a fence post as needed.

Another aspect of the invention is that the apparatus/cap may be affixedto one side rail, or to the corner of a deck or fence (i.e. where tworails intersect at 90 degrees).

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising around table in a round pan.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising around table apparatus without a pan.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a prospective bottom-right view comprisinga round table apparatus in a round pan.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising arectangular table apparatus in a rectangular pan.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of a prospective bottom-right view comprisinga rectangular table apparatus in a rectangular pan.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising aserving bowl apparatus.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising arectangular table apparatus.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising arectangular “corner” table apparatus.

FIGS. 6A and 6B (magnified) are illustrations of commercial type collarsused with the table top of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7I refer to the embodiment of the table top without a pan, andthe method of assembling.

FIGS. 7A and 7B (magnified) are illustrations of the table top, rigidplate and two pieces of the collar in the first step of assembling thecap (all exploded).

FIGS. 7C and 7D (magnified) are illustrations of the table top, rigidplate and two pieces of the collar in the second step of assembling thecap (collar welded).

FIGS. 7E and 7F (magnified) are illustrations of the table top andwelded collar in the third step of assembling the cap (collar attachedto table).

FIGS. 7G and 7H (magnified) are illustrations of the table top with thewelded collar in the fourth step of assembling the cap (install onfence).

FIG. 7I is an illustration of the collar before and after welding.

FIGS. 8A-8H refer to the embodiment of the table top with a collarattached, and the method of assembling.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are illustrations of the round table top, pan and twopieces of collar in the first step of assembling the cap (all exploded).

FIGS. 8C and 8D are illustrations of the table top, pan and two piecesof collar in the second step of assembling the cap (collar welded to andtable top inserted in the pan).

FIGS. 8E and 8F are illustrations of the table top inside a pan with thewelded collar in the fourth step of assembling the cap (installed onfence).

FIG. 8G is an illustration of a prospective top-right view comprising apan for a round table top and the two parts forming the collar.

FIG. 8H is an illustration of a prospective bottom-right view comprisinga pan for a round table before and after affixing the collar to thebottom of the pan.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are illustrations for installing a table top with acommercial base.

FIG. 9A is an illustration of the prospective bottom-right viewcomprising a table top and a commercial base.

FIG. 9B is an illustration of affixing the base to under-surface of thetable top.

FIG. 9C is an illustration of installing the table top with a commercialbase.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Glossary of Terms

As used herein, the term “fence” refers to “post and rail fence”structures comprising vertical posts evenly spaced apart and connectedtogether with horizontal rails, and further comprising “fence post caps”sitting atop each post. The post cap may be decorative or functional.

As used herein, the term “fenced patio” refers to an open space situateddirectly on the ground and enclosed by a “post and rail fence”.

As used herein, the term “deck” refers to elevated structures enclosedwith a “post and rail fence” otherwise known as “deck railing”. Decksmay be attached to a house or freestanding.

Types of Fence Post Caps

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, 2, and 3 there are two primaryembodiments of the present invention's fence post caps comprising tabletop surfaces. In the first embodiment, as exemplified in FIG. 1A andFIG. 2, the fence post cap 100 (e.g. a round table top) sits within around pan 300, wherein the bottom of the pan is permanently affixed(e.g. welded or manufactured as one piece) to a collar 400 which isattached to the outside of the fence post 200. In the second embodiment,as exemplified in FIG. 1B, the fence post cap 100 is directly affixed tothe unit 400 comprising a rigid plate attached to the top of the collar.The user then slides the table top with the attached collar unit ontothe outside surface of the fence post 200.

For example, the second embodiment is further illustrated in FIG. 3A,which shows a rectangular table top 110 directly attached to a collarwithout a rigid plate, and wherein the table top/with collar slides overthe fence post. And the first embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 3Bshowing a rectangular table top that sits within a pan 310, wherein thebottom of the pan is affixed to a collar with a rigid plate (unit 400)which is attached to the outside of the fence post 200.

Furthermore, the fence post cap of the present invention is not limitedto flat table tops. Any cap that would provide a utility forentertaining and leisure is appropriate for use, such as to hold foodand/or beverages. For example, the cap may comprise a serving bowl ofsufficient size to hold snacks, such as chips, candy, etc. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, the bottom of the bowl 120 is affixed to a collar400 which is attached to the outside of the fence post 200.

Nor is the fence post cap of the present invention required to beoriented aligned with the deck railing. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and5B, a square table top cap 130 may be aligned with the deck railing 500as per FIG. 5A; or the square table top cap 130 may reside on the cornerof the deck railing 500 and be aligned at an angle with the railing 500.

Materials and Sizes for Caps, Collars, and Pans

The two primary embodiments of the table top may comprise a variety ofshapes, sizes and materials. A round table top (and a pan if used) maycomprise the dimensions of about 2 to 3 feet in diameter and about 1 to2.5 inches in height. In a preferred embodiment, the round table isabout 2 feet in diameter and 2 inches in height.

A rectangular table (and a pan if used) may comprise the dimensions ofabout 1.5 to 2.5 feet in length, 8 to 16 inches in width, and 1 to 2.5inches in height. In a preferred embodiment, the rectangular table is 2feet in length, 1 foot in width, and 2 inches in height.

A square table (and a pan if used) may comprise the dimensions of about1.5 to 2.5 feet in width and length, and about 1 to 2.5 inches inheight. In a preferred embodiment, the square table is 1.5 feet inlength and width, and 2 inches in height.

A serving bowl may comprise a wide range of sizes and shapes that are ofsufficient size to serve food and snacks. In a preferred embodiment, theserving bowl is about one foot in diameter at the rim, and about 5inches in vertical depth.

As pertaining to the size of the collar: it would fit the size ofcommercially available fence posts, especially those used for home deckrailing. In a preferred embodiment, the collars would be 6 inches inlength and width for 6 inch wide fence posts, or 4 inches in length andwidth for 4 inch wide fence posts.

As pertaining to the size of the flat rigid plate affixed to the collar,in a preferred embodiment it would be the same size as the collar. So a4 by 4 inch collar would comprise a plate 4 inches in length and widthwelded to the top side of the square collar so as to form a 5 sidedhollow cube. And a 6 by 6 inch collar would comprise a plate 6 inches inlength and width welded in the same manner to the collar. The thicknessof the plate and collar may range from about 0.1 inch to 0.5 inches. Ina preferred embodiment the rigid plate 430 and the collar 420 are aboutone eight inches in thickness.

The material of a table top with a metal base (i.e. FIG. 1B without apan, and with a collar and rigid plate attached directly to the tabletop under-surface) may comprise wood, PVC, metal, a composite, or othermaterials used in outdoor tables.

When a table top resides within a pan (i.e. FIG. 1A), it is preferredthat the material of the table be somewhat flexible, and cut todimensions so that it will fit within the outer frame of the pan to formthe table top surface. Therefore, a table top insert within a pan maycomprise the materials of: wood, PVC, metal, composite, glass, ceramics,slate, stone, and/or actual decking boards cut to fit within the pan.

Additionally, the present invention may comprise a one piece mold baseand top combination. In a preferred embodiment, the one piece would bemade of materials comprising a composite, PVC, and/or vinyl.

The material of a serving bowl may be any non-breakable plastic, such asmaterials routinely used in durable serving bowls.

The material of the collar, rigid plate and pan is plastic, or metal. Ina preferred embodiment, the material is stainless steel (i.e. 12 or 14gauge) or thin walled aluminum.

Although the preferred sizes and materials of the present invention havebeen disclosed herein, it is noted that the skilled artisan wouldreadily know of similar types of material and cap sizes to utilize.

Table Top or Serving Bowl with a Collar and Method of Assembly

The fence post cap of the present invention may further comprise a meansto attach the apparatus to the fence post, such as collar 400 (FIGS. 2,3B, & 4). The collar may be permanently or non-permanently affixed tothe post. Permanently affixed caps comprise, for example bases screwedor bolted into the fence post. Non-permanently affixed caps may beeasily removed, such as via unscrewing or unclipping a collar attachedto the underside of the cap, and exchanged with other caps. For example,a collar attached to the bottom of a square table top cap could beremoved (along with the table top) and be replaced by a serving bowlwith a collar attached to its underside Likewise, the caps may bereplaceable while the collar is fixed to the post. For example, thetable top cap could be removed from the collar and replaced with aserving bowl cap which attaches to the same collar. It is noted thatother means of attachment of a fence post cap to a post, permanently ornon-permanently, are widely known to the skilled artisan.

The present invention may further comprise the use of commerciallyavailable collars (otherwise known as bases). For example, the collar410 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B may comprise a base adapter widelyknown in the art for use with traditional fence post caps (e.g.decorative in nature only).

In a preferred embodiment, such as is illustrated in the FIG. 7A-7H, thebase 400 comprises a hollow square collar 420 that tightly fits over theoutside of the fence post, wherein it is permanently or non-permanentlyaffixed to the post. FIG. 7A displays the two individual identical partsof the collar for one embodiment, wherein the two rectangular parts ofthe collar are bent 90 degrees and welded together to form a hollowsquare collar (see also FIG. 7I). FIG. 7B is a magnified view of FIG.7A, and FIG. 7I is a view of the collar's rectangular parts weldedtogether. Additionally, a flat rigid plate 430 is permanently affixed(e.g. welded) to the top surface of the collar 420 so as to form a 5sided hollow cube (see FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7I). Then the collar with therigid plate is affixed either to: 1) the underside of the cap, such asthe underside of the table top or serving bowl; or 2) to a pan holdingthe table top cap. Preferably, the means of affixing comprises fourscrew holes in the underside of the cap or pan 440 (FIG. 7D). FIG. 7Eand 7F illustrate the collar and table top welded together as per thepreferred embodiment. The table top or bowl with the attached collar isthen affixed to the fence post by sliding the collar over the post(FIGS. 7G and 7H). It may be secured in place permanently ornon-permanently via screwing or bolting at holes 450 in the collar (seeFIGS. 7H and 7I). Alternatively, the collar may be of such a tight fitthat it may merely slide onto the post and be stable enough that nofurther means of fixation is required. The user could then merely slidethe table top and its collar off the post and replace it with theoriginal post after the entertainment event is concluded.

It is noted that the skilled artisan would readily know of other methodsof affixing the table top, serving bowl, or other entertainment caps tothe fence post using a different type of attachment other than thecollar as demonstrated herein. For example, the base that fits over thefence post may be manufactured as one piece with the table top orserving bowl affixed on top.

Circular Table Top with Pan and Method of Attachment

FIGS. 8A-8H comprise an exemplification of affixing a circular table tophoused within a pan to a fence post. The steps disclosed in FIGS. 8A-8Hare similar to the steps in FIGS. 7A-7I with the exception of notrequiring the use of a rigid plate 430 atop a collar 420. As illustratedin FIGS. 8A-8C, the two rectangular parts of the collar 420 are bent 90degrees and welded together to form a hollow square collar 420. The pan300 is then affixed to the collar 420 either before or after insertingthe table top 100 into the pan.

The pan 300 is fitted to the table top with a minimal gap between thesides of the pan and the sides of the table top. The height of the panis also the same as the height of the table top. The purpose of the panis to protect the table top from the weather elements, and to provide asecure, steady base to affix the table top to the fence post cap.

The pan may further comprise one or more holes for draining of rainwaterand spilled fluids that collect between the bottom of the table top andthe pan. In a preferred embodiment, there is a drainage hole in eachcorner of a square pan, and two or more locations about one-half inchfrom the seam of a circular pan.

Commercial Bases/Collars

The caps of the present invention can also be used with commerciallyavailable fence post cap bases in lieu of using the collar 420 with orwithout the rigid plate 430, and with or without the table top beinginserted into the pan 500.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are illustrations of assembling a table top with orwithout a pan attached to a commercial base. As per FIG. 9A, thecomponents comprise the base 410 (see also FIGS. 6A and 6B); and thetable top 100, or the pan 300 with the table top 100 inserted within it.In a preferred embodiment, the base 410 is affixed to the bottom of thetable top (FIG. 9B); and then the unit is slipped over the fence post200 (FIG. 9C). One of skill in the art would readily know of methods tomodify an existing fence post cap base for use with the caps of thepresent invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments thereof, this description is not meant to be construed in alimiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, aswell as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent topersons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of theinvention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventionas defined.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cap for a fence post, comprising an apparatusfor holding small objects in a stable manner, wherein said apparatuscomprises: a) an upper-surface suitable for securely holding objectslarger than the fence post's cross-sectional area; b) an under-surfacecomprising a means for securing said apparatus to the top of the fencepost. c) wherein said fence post is part of a deck railing or fencedpatio; and, d) wherein said cap is non-permanently or permanentlyaffixed to said post.
 2. The fence post cap of claim 1, wherein saidapparatus is a small table or serving bowl of sufficient size to holdfood and beverage containers for one or more individuals.
 3. The fencepost cap of claim 2, wherein said table is round, oval, square, orrectangular.
 4. The fence post cap of claim 3, wherein said tablecomprises a rectangular table about 2 feet in length, 1 foot in width,and 2 inches in height.
 5. The fence post cap of claim 3, wherein saidmeans comprises a five sided hollow cubed collar comprising four squaresides that encircle said fence post, and one top edge that attaches saidcollar to the center of the under-surface of said apparatus.
 6. Thefence post cap of claim 1, wherein said means comprises pan housing saidapparatus, and wherein the center of the under-surface of said pancomprises a four sided hollow square collar affixed to said pan.
 7. Thefence post cap of claim 6, wherein said pan comprises a flat bottomsurface and sides of dimensions about the same as said apparatus's. 8.The fence post cap of claim 7, wherein said pan further comprises atleast one hole within said pan's bottom surface of sufficient size toadequately drain fluid collected with said pan and beneath saidapparatus.
 9. The fence post cap of claim 8, wherein said pan and collarare manufactured as one unit.
 10. The fence post cap of claim 7, whereinsaid upper-surface of the apparatus comprises a lid sitting upon saidpan, and wherein the contents of the pan is hollow.
 11. A cap for afence post, comprising an apparatus for use in entertaining and leisure,wherein said apparatus comprises: a) a small table or serving bowl ofsufficient size to hold food and beverage containers for one or moreindividuals, wherein the under-surface of said apparatus comprises ameans for securing said apparatus to the top of the fence post; b)wherein said fence post is part of a deck railing or fenced patio; and,c) wherein said cap is non-permanently or permanently affixed to saidpost.
 12. The fence post cap of claim 11, wherein said table is round,oval, square, or rectangular.
 13. The fence post cap of claim 11,wherein said means comprises a five sided hollow cubed collar comprisingfour square sides that encircle said fence post, and one top edge thatattaches said collar to the center of the under-surface of saidapparatus.
 14. The fence post cap of claim 11, wherein said table isround and about 2 feet in diameter and 2 inches in height.
 15. The fencepost cap of claim 11, wherein said means comprises pan housing saidapparatus, and wherein the center of the under-surface of said pancomprises a four sided hollow square collar affixed to said pan.
 16. Thefence post cap of claim 15, wherein said pan comprises a flat bottomsurface and sides of dimensions about the same as said apparatus's. 17.The fence post cap of claim 16, wherein said pan further comprises atleast one hole within said pan's bottom surface of sufficient size toadequately drain fluid collected with said pan and beneath saidapparatus.
 18. The fence post cap of claim 17, wherein said pan andcollar are manufactured as one unit.
 19. The fence post cap of claim 15,wherein said upper-surface of the apparatus comprises a lid sitting uponsaid pan, and wherein the contents of the pan is hollow.
 20. The fencepost cap of claim 12, wherein said table is mounted on a corner of saiddeck railing or fenced patio.